The organization began the AFI Awards in 2000, which many consider a precursor and predictor of the Oscar awards. 

The selections are made by a 13-person jury comprised of scholars, artists, critics and AFI trustees. 

The American Film Institute names the 10 top films and television shows each year but does not rank them. 

"We don't rank them because what we want to celebrate is the creative collaboration in front and behind the camera that made these stories possible," Jean Picker Firstenberg, AFI director and chief executive officer told Reuters.

The AFI Top 10 Films of 2003: 
American Splendor
Finding Nemo
The Human Stain
In America
The Last Samurai
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Lost in Translation
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Monster
Mystic River

 
AFI Top 10 TV Programs:
Alias
Angels in America
Arrested Development
Everybody Loves Raymond
Joan of Arcadia
Nip/Tuck
Playmakers
Soldier's Girl
24
The Wire
 

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